WIP 70 - Far from home: Qualitative evaluation of the impact of geographic distance from a tertiary pediatric hospital in Canada on family experiences

Poster Number: WIP 70
Publication Number: WIP 70.985

Background: Canada’s expansive geography has implications for children and their families seeking tertiary pediatric care. There is minimal literature describing their experiences, particularly challenges associated with receiving inpatient care. This qualitative study builds on previous work that captured out-of-pocket costs and stress levels facing families while admitted to our hospital.

Objective: Through conducting semi-structured, qualitative interviews, our objectives are to:
1) Gather an in-depth understanding of family experiences through exploring gaps in current approaches and supports received
2) Generate potential patient-centred solutions to challenges identified

Design/Methods: Ethics approval was obtained. Family partners were involved in all aspects of study design. A qualitative descriptive methodology was adopted to allow for in-depth exploration of family experiences and potential solutions to challenges identified during the now completed quantitative portion of the study. Participants will be families that travelled more than 50 km to receive inpatient care under General Pediatrics at a tertiary hospital in Canada within the past 1 year. In addition, we will purposively recruit additional families through collaboration with community pediatricians until theoretical saturation is reached. Families will be offered a $20 gift card for their participation.

Interviews have started and it is anticipated that they will be finished by December 31st, 2023. Interviews are being conducted using a semi-structured interview guide that will be iteratively adjusted based on emerging themes. Interviews will be audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and anonymized prior to analysis. Data analysis will occur using a constant comparative analysis approach, yielding a description of the data followed by iterative coding and grouping data into themes.